by Stephen Cartwright
Ashford Striders Run Report 31st August 2025 – “The Greatest Stride on Earth!”
When the race calendar takes a breather, the Striders don’t slow down – they step into the spotlight. With no official races this week, it was Parkrun that stole the show, and Ashford Striders turned it into a full-blown spectacle.
With the circus rolling into town this week, it seemed only fitting that Ashford Striders brought their own show to the streets! Saturday’s Parkrun had all the colour, energy, and community spirit of a big top performance – minus the juggling (unless you count juggling water bottles, pace, and conversation!).
Runners gathered with the usual buzz, but there was a definite sense of spectacle in the air. Whether it was the clown-like socks, lion-hearted efforts, or tightrope-worthy balance on the paths, everyone brought their A-game.
While jugglers, clowns, and acrobats dazzled crowds under the big top, 67 Ashford Striders put on a show of their own across the Parkrun stage—40 at Ashford and 27 on tour, proving once again that we’re the real main attraction.
Leading the Striders parade was Frank Remigio, who flew round the course like a man shot from a cannon, finishing in a blistering 18:03. Hot on his heels was Keith Haynes at 20:01, and Jack Farrant completed the podium with a strong 20:39—no clowning around at the front!
The rest of the troupe followed in fine form: Harry Scott 22:59, Jason Caldwell 23:40, Linda-jean Delport 24:08, Matt Wickens 24:47, Brian Marsh 25:13, Terry (Fred) Sellen 25:34, Michael Ruck 25:57, Elle Weekes 25:58, Daniel Schwartz 26:49, Darren Laker 26:56, Chloe Stott 28:00, Hazel Turner 28:13, Jamie Bartlett 28:45, David Gadsby 29:25, Daniel Stott 29:29, Ross McInnes 30:00, Catherine Wall 30:25, Jason Brice 30:49, Vicky Stevenson 31:16, Russ Berliner 31:47, Marion Fitzpatrick 32:04, Claire Iley 32:59, Robert Harris 33:04, Sara Dewar 33:05 her quickest since August 2023, awesome! David Helme 33:13, Kat Silvester 33:26, Amy Hook 34:16, Leigh Freeman 35:07, Josh Stephens & Aimee Donohue 35:17 synchronised running—very circus!, Paul Diddams 35:31, Pauline Tallett 35:39, Clare Nunn 36:17, Sharon McInnes 36:31, Jennifer Watts 36:34, Rachel Oliver 37:55 and Rachel Tomsett 53:50.
A huge thankyou to this weeks volunteers of Don Dewar, Jason Caldwell and Mat Norman – the real ringmasters of the morning! Without your time, energy and encouragement, the show simply couldn’t go on.
While 40 Striders held down the fort at Ashford, the remaining 27 took their barcode powered passports and hit the road, the coast, the capital and even the continent. From scenic vineyards to Roman ruins, this week’s touring troupe turned parkrun into a travel brochure.
Harry Lockhart showed great pace at Bexley Parkrun, crossing the finish line in a swift 26:39, while Scott Hawkins tackled the Dartford course with determination completing it in a solid 30:28.
Down by the coast, six Striders brought their energy to the Dover Waterfront Parkrun. Lee Gribbin led with pace and pride, a 26:06 seaside glide; Nicola Crawley wasn’t far behind, with 29:00 she was well timed; Chris Littlejohn steady and true, 29:12 a solid view, Amanda Watson strong and keen, clocked 30:57 what a scene; Maria Chapman brought the cheer, at 32:03 she had no fear; Lisa Gribbin wrapped the show, with 33:13 go Lisa, go!
Kevan Strand took on the fast and flat Gunnersbury Parkrun in West London and absolutely blazed through the course in a lightning-fast 20:52! It was a masterclass in pace, power, and precision—Strider style in the capital!
Meanwhile Tamsin Ritchie embraced the wild beauty of Kingdom Parkrun, conquering the woodland trails in a determined 31:05.
Justine and Jason Wearn floated through the Maidstone River Park Parkrun in a cheerful 35:02 and 35:06 respectively. Rumour has it that Justine was tempted to stop for a riverside selfie—but the finish line called louder!
Matthew Beasley took on the Mote Park Parkrun, a course known for its lakeside loops and sneaky inclines. He powered through in a swift 26:56, showing that hills are just speed bumps when you’ve got Strider legs and a good breakfast.
Peter Lane brought Ashford Striders flair to the Eternal City, completing the Roma Pineto Parkrun in a proud 51:08—and what a course to conquer! With glimpses of St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance, it’s a scenic tour through history where Peter ran with the determination of a gladiator!
Let’s hope that Peter had a post-run espresso at the Van Gogh Caffè, just steps from the finish line—because in Rome, even recovery is done with style!
While Ashford was buzzing with circus energy, a group of Striders escaped to the rolling hills and grapevines of Squerryes Winery, where the terrain was scenic, the air was fragrant with Pinot Noir, and the running was anything but flat.
Forget juggling—this crew was balancing pace, elevation, and the temptation to stop for a tasting session mid-run. Here’s how our vineyard voyagers performed: Stephen Rumsey – 26:13 (swift and smooth, like a fine rosé), Lionel Hammond – 27:10 (crisp and consistent), Justin Burden – 27:59 (a vintage effort!), Katarzyna Janas – 35:43 (graceful through the grapevines), Donna Hammond & Delia Millen – 36:50 (a perfectly paired finish), Nige Terry – 37:57 (running with full-bodied enthusiasm), Helen Rumsey – 41:46 (notes of determination and joy) with Martin Whittingham – 1:01:13, and Laura Clark – 1:01:20 (both aged to perfection and finishing with style!)
Further afield, Jamie Penfold took on the legendary Town Moor Parkrun in Newcastle and stormed across the finish line in a rapid 24:15 – a performance as sharp as a Geordie breeze!
Ash Robinson took on the Trelai Park Parkrun in Cardiff with the fire of a Welsh dragon and the stride of a seasoned Strider, crossing the finish line in a proud 31:56. The spirit of Cymru in the air, Ash powered through the course like he was chasing down a runaway rugby ball. Da iawn Ash! You brought the roar of the valley to Parkrun.
Eloise Pegg took on the Whitley Bay Parkrun with the kind of energy usually reserved for chasing seagulls away from your lunch—and crossed the finish line in a sizzling 26:40! Despite relying on an all-inclusive diet of chips (crispy, golden, and apparently not endorsed by sports nutritionists), Eloise defied the odds and proved that sometimes, salt and vinegar can be a performance enhancer. Who knew? With the sea breeze in her hair and the scent of fry-ups in the air, she ran like she was late for a beachside chippy queue. A cracking effort, and a reminder that while carbs are great, maybe next time we throw in a banana too.
Another excellent week for the Striders.
Remember: not every run will feel good. Some will feel slow; some will rush by. Some will make you question why you even started. But every single one will make you stronger.
Running teaches resilience. It shows you how to keep going, even when it’s uncomfortable. And that lesson will stay with you long after the finish line.
Happy running, Striders. Until next time.
